Organic farming practises amongst smallholder farmers in Willowvale, South Africa

Abstract

This study explored organic farming practices amongst smallholder farmers in Willowvale, South Africa. The study employed a qualitative method, focus group discussions with 24 participants were held. The research explored the alignment of organic farming with traditional values, the feasibility of adoption and barriers to scalability. Findings revealed that organic agriculture is deeply rooted in the participants' cultural and ecological practices. However, the transition to organic methods is hindered by structural constraints such as inadequate training, lack of access to certified organic inputs, insufficient government extension services and labour intensity. The study highlighted a generational shift, with minimal youth participation and a decline in the transmission of indigenous knowledge. Despite these challenges, participants expressed strong interest in organic farming, conditional on enhanced targeted training and improved access to the markets. The study concluded that policy interventions and youth-oriented strategies are essential for scaling organic farming sustainably among smallholder populations in South Africa. The findings contributed to the discourse on sustainable agriculture by preserving indigenous knowledge and farmer-led innovation as critical pathways toward resilient food systems.